teleology

teleology
[ˌtɛlɪˈɒlədʒi, ˌtiːl-]
(pl. -ies)

[mass noun](Philosophy)the explanation of phenomena by the purpose they serve rather than by postulated causes
(哲)目的论
■(Theology)the doctrine of design and purpose in the material world
(神学)目的论主义；目的论学说

派生
teleologic
adjective
teleological
adjective
teleologically
adverb
teleologism
noun
teleologist
noun
语源

mid 18th cent. (denoting the branch of philosophy that deals with ends or final causes): from modern Latin teleologia, from Greek telos 'end' + -logia (see -logy)